But as a writer, sometimes I enjoy the challenge of writing something that requires me to include a certain element, whether it be sex or something else. That's very true. And it was challenging, to write those scenes. It's just that the fests in question are about non-heteronormative pairings - which is great - but one can write fine stories about those with R-ratings (or even PG-13), where more is left to the imagination.

What I dislike is extending a sex-scene beyond what I feel is right for the story and characters, just to get my story to NC-17 level. For a fest where the point is not porn, but simply non-het relationships.

And, as you say, the result is often porn for the porn.

Also, I'll keep looking forward to your ramble with the greatest possible anticipation!